Saturday, November 19, 2011

My mom turned me on to the wonderful world of Penzeys Spices. For some time, I hadn't been impressed with the quality of spices I was buying in the store, and I knew how she always looked forward to her Penzeys Spice shipment. So, earlier this year I asked her to order a couple of spices for me the next time she ordered. I have been hooked ever since.

Penzey's Spices is a great Wisconsin based company that offers a huge assortment of quality spices. I have so many new spices that I look forward to trying. I have also found another bonus of being a Penzey's shopper is their catalog. Yes, you can order online as you can with most companies today, but they also send a hard copy catalog, periodically, that is full of idea's, pictures, and.... Recipes!!! I hadn't paid much attention to the recipes until the Fall 2011 issue. I was really craving sweets the day I was reviewing the catalog, as I hadn't baked in some time. I stumbled across a recipe for Oatmeal Chip Bars. The next weekend, I made them for my first time. I wasn't sure if they really were that "out of this world", or if we were that over due for a baked yummy treat. We decided that they really were that good!

Today, I made the second batch of these bars. I did make a couple of changes. When I had first told my mom about how good these were, she didn't want to make them because of the amount of butter, but wondered about substituting in some peanut butter. I made that change, as well as omitted adding butterscotch chips, since I never seem to have those on hand. I hope this pan doesn't disappear as quickly as the first pan did!!

Oatmeal Chip Bars

1/2 c. Butter

1/2 c. Peanut Butter

1 1/4 c. Brown Sugar ( I used 1/2 dark, and 1/2 light)

3/4 c. white sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

2 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

2 c. oats (quick cooking or regular)

2 c. miniature chocolate chips

Preheat over to 375. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Fold in the oats and chocolate chips. Spread in a greased 10 x 15 rimmed metal pan, using a spatula or your hands to press into place. Bake for 20 minutes at 375. Cool, but cut the bars while still warm, as a knife will go through them more easily.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I have become quite a fan of following blogs, I enjoy reading others stories and of course recipes! I hope to be able to share some cooking success's as well as maybe a failure or to. I am sure to have lots of cute animal stories to share, the occasional ride along in the Peterbilt. Of course, once morel mushroom season is here, I look forward to sharing the excitement of the hunts! Now, just to be sure I understand how to publish the blogs and add pictures, all the fun stuff!